Most residential landlords require tenants to pay a security deposit to cover any repairs needed when the tenant moves out, or to cover the tenant’s failure to pay the last month's rent.

Laws vary from state to state, but many states have statutes that provide the maximum amount of security deposit a landlord may require for a residential lease and the costs for which the landlord may use the security deposit (cleaning, repairs, unpaid rent) following termination of the lease.

These laws also provide a specific deadline (often 30-60 days) for the landlord to return the tenant’s security deposit following termination of the lease—after deducting any amount properly withheld, as allowed by law.

In Alaska, landlords can require tenants to pay a security deposit, which is regulated under Alaska Statutes § 34.03.070. The maximum amount a landlord can charge for a security deposit is not to exceed two months' rent, except in cases where the monthly rent is over $2,000. Landlords may use the security deposit for cleaning, repairs, and unpaid rent. Upon termination of the lease, Alaska law requires landlords to return the security deposit within 14 days if the tenant has vacated the premises without owing rent and without damages beyond normal wear and tear. If there is unpaid rent or damage, the landlord has 30 days to provide a written statement listing the exact reasons for any amount of the deposit retained, along with the remainder of the deposit. If the landlord fails to comply with these requirements, the tenant may be entitled to recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld.